Paul McCarthy's 'Painter' Performance Deconstructs the Artist Myth
In the latest installment focusing on Paul McCarthy, Christophe Le Gac examines the 1995 video performance titled 'Painter,' which was filmed at MoMA in New York. This 49-minute piece showcases McCarthy portraying an Abstract Expressionist artist, passionately channeling Willem de Kooning. Designed like a reality-TV cooking program, it merges absurdity with self-inflicted violence to critique both the artist's persona and the economic landscape of the art world. McCarthy's exploration of bodily excess challenges conventional beauty ideals. Le Gac references de Kooning's remark about art lacking tranquility and purity. The provocations in McCarthy's work unveil the darker aspects of the art scene. This series ties into the exhibition 'Monsieur McCarthy, que prenez-vous dans votre thé ?' in Poitiers, which faced interruptions due to unforeseen events.
Key facts
- Paul McCarthy's video performance 'Painter' was recorded in summer 1995 at MoMA New York.
- The work is 49 minutes and 52 seconds long, on VHS cassette.
- McCarthy portrays an Abstract Expressionist painter, shouting the name of Willem de Kooning.
- The performance is structured as a reality-TV cooking show.
- McCarthy uses bodily fluids, materials, and self-inflicted acts to provoke disgust and pleasure.
- The article references a quote from de Kooning: 'Art never seems to make me peaceful or pure...'
- The series is part of the exhibition 'Monsieur McCarthy, que prenez-vous dans votre thé ?' in Poitiers.
- The exhibition was organized by Le Miroir and the Théâtre Auditorium (Tap), linked to Rencontres Michel Foucault.
Entities
Artists
- Paul McCarthy
- Willem de Kooning
- Christophe Le Gac
- Gilles Deleuze
- Félix Guattari
Institutions
- MoMA
- Centre Pompidou
- Le Miroir
- Théâtre Auditorium (Tap)
- Rencontres Michel Foucault
- artpress
Locations
- New York
- United States
- Poitiers
- France
- Paris
Sources
- artpress —